Rising to the Occasion:

Every now and then, there's a kindness is the air that allows an individual to anticipate nothing, take a chance, and hope for the best. Some buy their weekly lotto ticket, expecting nothing, and winning millions, others take a chance on a blind date, and find true love. The satisfaction that is derived from finding a treasure, when you were never truly on a search, makes the accolade even sweeter than the initial taste of joy. And this euphoria of the unknown is now taking place every night when the "curtain" comes up on "In The Heights," a new off-Broadway musical that gives hope to those who question if there is any originality left in the musical theatre world.

Well here it is, it came from no where, places an unknown writer/performer in the spotlight, and takes residence at 39 Arts, a venue that most people have never heard of. Take a handful of catchy songs and a storyline that's simple to follow and addictive to its conclusion, and you have your self a show! Throw in a cast that easily thugs on every emotional chord in your body, add a shiny but urban-gritty set, and choreography that keeps your foot tapping, and you have more than a show, you have an outstanding musical melting pot that begs the viewer to come back for more.

The show takes place over a hot Fourth of July weekend, and the events that are to unfold, will change those who inhabit this block of Washington Heights forever. From finding ones dream, struggling to survive, overcoming cultural barriers, dealing with death, and triumphing to keep your family and your community together, In The Heights has multiple storylines that intersect with one another, ensuring that every character has a place on stage, and a fundamental purpose in the story. With a cast of twenty, this isn't your average off Broadway event, and with its unique blend of meringue, salsa, hip hop, and contemporary show tunes, it's a stunning live event, which safely transforms you to the confused and somewhat mean streets of Washington Heights, where the coffee is always hot, and the characters are even hotter.

The central plot of the story, the originality that is within, and the good old fun that will come, are all noticed and expected after the over the top catchy opening song performed by the musicals central character, Usnavi. Lin-Manuel Miranda, (Usnavi) who also conceived the idea and wrote the score to the piece, is as talented, vibrant, and energetic as they come. His creative and fresh approach to story telling through this catchy hip-hop score, is in deed not only enjoyable but remarkable and it won't leave your head for days, no matter how hard you try.

Boasting a lineup of Broadway Veterans and eager/talented new comers, In The Heights makes a grand gesture that everyone belongs, and that the stage time is shared between the central characters and the multi functioning ensemble. And to that acknowledgment, is where the heart of this {little show that can} rests. It's a comedy but a tragedy, a tale but the truth, simple but extraordinary. The show has blood running through its veins, never gasping for air, and hoping to relay a message. That we are all human, that we all have flaws, but yet we can all embrace others, no matter how different we are, or what diverse paths our lives may take. From one side of the globe to the other, we all struggle for the same needs and all yearn for the same wants; financial success, true love, a healthy family, and dreams that can come true. It's the idea that this little musical taps into the core of man kind, and does so in such a fresh and original way, that there's more here than a great score and a talented cast, there's a message that the whole world should hear, and hopefully will.